This project is helping vegetable growers maintain quality after harvest by identifying practical ways to extend shelf life across supply chains.

The work will assess emerging and existing postharvest treatments, technologies and practices that improve how vegetables are stored, transported and handled. Trials will be conducted in commercial supply chains to measure how different approaches impact quality and shelf life under real conditions.

The project addresses a key challenge for growers: while on-farm practices produce high-quality vegetables, growers have limited control once produce enters the supply chain. Delays, temperature variation and handling practices can all reduce quality and lead to waste or reduced returns.

To support adoption, the project will deliver practical tools including guidance materials, standardised shelf-life assessment protocols, and a web-based economic calculator to help growers evaluate the cost and benefit of adopting new technologies.

The expected outcome is improved supply chain performance, reduced losses, and better market opportunities for growers through more consistent quality and longer shelf life of vegetables.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund